1. What does it mean to be "organic"?
According to the USDA, organic farms "integrate cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity." There are 3 different types of organic labels, which can be misleading for some consumers. Organic only means that foods are grown "without chemical fertilizers and pesticides" (Pollan 114).
2. Is there a difference between "organic" and "industrial organic"?
Any food grower can apply to be labeled organic so long as they meet the USDA guidelines as explained above. The main difference is the "industrial" aspect, which refers to the mass scale of the production. Both production methods are better for our health because of the elimination of pesticides, but industrial organic farming still has negative impacts on the well-being of animals and the environment. A farm can feed cattle organic feed, but treat them in the same way as an industrial farm. Likewise, a corporation may grow organic fruit but ship it 3,000 miles across the country.
3. Are there any other options beside industrial or organic farming?
Absolutely! Michael Pollan describes four different systems in The Omnivore's Dilemma. Industrialized food--whether organic or not--is the most detrimental for animals and the environment. The local sustainable system is the most realistic alternative. This is when consumers purchase their food directly from the source (i.e. farmers). With the growing popularity of farmers' markets, this can be a great supplemental option for some people. Additionally, if you have the resources, you could participate in the hunter-gatherer model where you are responsible for foraging for your own food.
4. What's the monetary cost difference between the different food systems?
The cost depends on whether you're talking about the direct bill when you check out at the grocery store, or the true cost of food considering the taxes you pay that go toward government subsidies.
In terms of how much your grocery bill will be, the industrialized system is typically more affordable for most people. For example, a dozen of grade A large eggs will cost $1.59 at King Soopers (a chain grocery store in the Denver metro area). That same grocery store sells an organic option for $3.99, although those eggs are still industrially sourced. Natural Grocers, a store that specializes in locally sourced products, also sells a dozen grade A large, organic eggs, but adding the local aspect will now cost you $4.39. The only way these eggs would be free is if I took them from my own chickens; however, the cost of the chickens, feeds, and care is still an incidental cost that, in the short term, will likely cost much more than $4.39, but could even out over time.
5. What does it mean when the government "subsidizes" corn or other food products?
Subsidizes are incentives given to farmers by the government to get them to grow certain products. These subsidies are funded through taxes.
6. If the industrial food system is so bad, how did we come to rely on it in the first place?
The industrial system produces things on a mass scale, so it's affordable and convenient. Once the nuclear family began to change and women were entering the workforce, there was no one at home to be solely responsible for making meals from scratch. As a result, families became more and more reliant on processed foods that were prepped and ready to heat up. As the demand grew, so did the availability of the foods, which in turn heightened the demand. Now, our grocery stores come to expect our reliance on this type of affordable food and consumers continue to purchase it.
7. What happens if I'm unable to participate in a food system other than the industrial one?
That's okay! So long as you are knowledgeable to make your own choices, do what works best for you.
8. Can't animals be mistreated in an organic system as well?
Yes. There are several loopholes to this system. For animal products, such as chicken, a company only has to feed its chickens organic feed, avoid using antibiotics, and provide access to the outdoors (even if the chickens don't use it) to classify them as "organic" chicken (Pollan 129). Learning more about the company you're purchasing food from can be one way to make sure that the food is humane AND organic.
9. Food is expensive and I only have access to the things in my grocery store. What am I supposed to do?
Determine your own priorities. Maybe it's not possible to purchase fresh, organic vegetables, but frozen is a great substitute (and usually much cheaper). Websites such as www.localharvest.org allow consumers to search for farmers and co-ops in their area where they can purchase fresh foods directly from the source, which helps lower the cost. And, if possible, try growing some foods on your own. Even people without yards can grow herbs or fruits in pots. Many local home improvement stores begin selling potted fruits and vegetables in April and May each year
10. What is the worst that can happen if nothing changes?
There are so many variables that impact our food system that it's hard to put a finger on exactly what will happen if we don't make any changes. What we do know is that the abrupt change in our diets over the last 50 years has caused a drastic increase in obesity and diabetes. The fossil fuels being used in the transportation of foods being grown out of season leads to significant air pollution in addition to the nitrogen run-off being added to water supplies from the overuse of chemical fertilizers. And the amount of meat we eat on a daily basis has lead to unsafe and inhumane conditions for farm animals.